CNN Indonesia
Tuesday, 11 Jun 2024 22:47 IWST
Thai players cry when they fail to qualify for the third round of 2026 World Cup Qualification. (REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa)
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
The Thai players looked down and several others cried after being confirmed as having failed to qualify for the third round 2026 World Cup Qualification while also not being able to qualify directly for the 2027 Asian Cup finals.
Thailand is certain to finish in third place in Group C in the second round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifications. Thailand actually has the same points as China, who finished in runner-up position in Group C with both packing eight points.
But Thailand lost deeply head to head against China. In the first meeting, Thailand lost 1-2 to China. Then in the second leg, Thailand drew 1-1 against China.
Thailand also fought hard in the final Group C match against Singapore at Rajamangala Stadium, Tuesday (11/6) night.
Thailand managed to win 3-1 over Singapore thanks to goals from Suphanat Mueanta in the 37th minute, Poramet Ajvirai in the 79th minute and Jaroensak Vongkorn in the 86th minute. Meanwhile, Singapore’s only goal was scored by Ikhsan Fandi Ahmad.
This 3-1 result made Thailand equal on points, number of goals scored, number of goals conceded and goal difference with China. Unfortunately, Thailand lost head to head with China so they failed to qualify for the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifications and also couldn’t qualify directly for the 2027 Asian Cup finals.
After the final whistle sounded, the Thai players immediately ‘fell’ on the field. They looked sad, including Thailand captain Theerathin Bunmathan who looked sad and wiped his tears.
On the other hand, Thai coach Masatada Ishii looked flat when he greeted the Singapore players and coaches after the match. Likewise, the Chairman of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) Nualphan Lamsam alias Madam Pang looked disappointed.
On the other hand, in their last match, China lost 0-1 to hosts South Korea in the match which took place at Seoul Stadium, Tuesday (11/6). South Korea’s only goal was scored by Lee Kang In in the 61st minute.
However, the 0-1 defeat was enough to secure China’s position in finishing as runner up in Group C in the second round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifications and qualifying directly for the 2027 Asian Cup. Meanwhile, Thailand had to go through the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifications.
(rhr/sry)
